Legendary broadcaster Vin Scully and the NBA's all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were named among the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Among the 21 names announced by the White House on Wednesday included Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Bill and Melinda Gates, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Robert Redford, Diana Ross and Bruce Springsteen.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. The awards will be presented at the White House on Nov. 22.

Vin Scully received a call from White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest about his Presidential Medal of Freedom award.

"Oh my gosh, no. Are you sure? I'm just an old baseball announcer," Scully said with a laugh.

"You've had a remarkable impact on the lives of generations of sports fans in this country," Earnest replied. "You've brought a decency and a professionalism to this job that hasn't just captured the attention of generations of Americans but it's captured the attention of the president of the United States and you've got quite a legacy."

"Well gosh, I'm rather overwhelmed and humbled, thank you so much Josh," Scully said.

Abdul-Jabbar won five championships during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. He was also a six-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 19-time NBA All Star.